The best bakeries & sweet shops in Columbus

“Hilltop Dairy Twist spins out artisanal scoops with locally sourced ingredients, playful seasonal creations, and legit vegan and lactose-free options. When you’re craving something that tastes like it actually came from a kitchen, not a factory, this is the spot.”

From the Grove City newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Whether you're craving conchas, bolillos, or a slice of tres leches, Bakery 3 Espigas turns out traditional Mexican breads and pastries all day with that Guadalajara touch. Family run, bilingual staff, and cakes made from scratch... it’s a reliable spot for legit sweet cravings in Columbus.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 21, 2026

“No preservatives or additives are used in the imaginative selection at this creative donut shop.”

“Chain scooping creative flavors of ice cream & frozen yogurt made from local ingredients.”

“Chain scooping creative flavors of ice cream & frozen yogurt made from local ingredients.”

“Fun, family-friendly venue whipping up over-the-top milkshakes with toppings and ice cream scoops, plus cookies, cheesecake, bowls, sundaes and cones.”

“or three.”

From the Upper Arlington newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Whether you need a study break or just an excuse to celebrate Tuesday, I Scream Gelato handcrafts Italian-style scoops daily with 30+ rotating flavors, bubble waffle cones, and colorful milkshakes. Grab locally roasted espresso, an affogato, or warm waffles and crepes if you want the full dessert victory lap.”

“Strawsers Ice Cream Pop and Candy Shop is the spot for Perry’s Ice Cream scoops, wild Dirty Sodas you can customize with syrups, candies and sweet cream, plus nostalgic favorites, freeze dried candy and international bars. Basically, it’s where Grove City goes when a normal snack just won’t cut it.”

From the Grove City newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Cake-crusted cheesecakes made with local ingredients and featuring lots of flavors for pick-up.”

“Counter-serve chain serving donuts & its own brand of coffee for sit-down or takeout.”

“KKP Bakery keeps Grove City happily sugared with everything baked fresh daily, from crusty artisan bread and gooey cinnamon rolls to custom cakes that actually taste as good as they look. Nut-free facility, family-owned for 20+ years, and ready for event orders when you need to feed a crowd.”

“Happy Little Treats is an all-vegan bakery turning out scratch-made cookies, donuts, pop tarts, croissants, and custom cakes that somehow convert even the "I need butter" crowd. Perfect for birthday emergencies, office treat diplomacy, or those days you just want a really good cookie.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Scratch-made cupcakes that taste like butter and joy, rotating weekly flavors, plus cinnamon rolls and cakes for special occasions when the cravings hit. Hilliard Station Baking Co. is locally owned by David and Tracy, 2022 Taste of Hilliard winner, and a reliable go-to for birthdays, office treats, or just because.”

From the Hilliard newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Longtime ice cream parlor chain serving small-batch scoops, plus signature sundaes & frozen drinks.”

“Resch's Bakery is that rare local spot that still bakes from scratch, turning out legendary stick donuts, seasonal pumpkin donuts, breads, pies, and ornate celebration cakes. A century in the game, right here in Gahanna, they even deliver select favorites via Uber Eats, which feels delightfully dangerous.”

From the Gahanna newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Whether you need a birthday showstopper or a just-because dozen, The Original Goodie Shop is the long-running, family-owned bakery in nearby Upper Arlington hand-making donuts, pastries, candies, dinner rolls, and custom cakes that taste legit good, plus OSU-licensed treats for game day.”

From the Hilliard newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Strip-mall stop for savory halal fare & baked treats plus Middle Eastern & Mediterranean groceries.”

“Sugar cookies and other sweet treats are on offer from this bakery at Center Street Market.”

“Informal option for 20+ flavors of ice cream (including rainbow sherbet), sundaes and shakes, plus waffle cones.”

“Anything Bagel bakes from legacy recipes with over 20 bagels and 10 schmears, plus handmade sandwiches and good coffee that can wear a playful Ube Cold Foam. The rotating Giving Bagel fuels Bake It Forward, so your morning run also gives back to a local cause.”

From the Reynoldsburg newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Italian ices & frozen custards star at this counter-serve chain with a range of other cold treats.”

“Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.”

“Longtime ice cream parlor chain serving small-batch scoops, plus signature sundaes & frozen drinks.”

“United Dairy Farmers is the reliable neighborhood stop when you want fresh donuts and croissants from their family bakery, coffee brewed one cup at a time, and hand-dipped ice cream galore. Expect over 20 flavors, extra-thick malts, and classics like Black Raspberry Chip ready to rescue any craving.”

From the Grove City newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Italian ices & frozen custards star at this counter-serve chain with a range of other cold treats.”

“Chain scooping creative flavors of ice cream & frozen yogurt made from local ingredients.”

“Franchise bakery specializing in handcrafted bundt cakes, plus curated gifts & party supplies.”

“Sauer Cakes keeps wedding cake planning simple with transparent pricing, full access to mix-and-match flavors and fillings, and no per-tier upcharges. Think Red Velvet or Lemon with Buckeye Ganache or caramel mousse, plus gluten free and vegan options... then book a tasting and let them sweeten your Gahanna reception.”

“Mona’s Eats + Treats is a Grove City favorite welcoming the Greater Columbus community, dishing out ice cream and other treats that hit the spot after work or a game. They even do catering, so dessert can crash your next block party or office shindig.”

From the Reynoldsburg newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Eco-minded chain with natural & organic grocery items, housewares & other products (most sell wine).”

“Blackberry Confections LLC is a dessert catering company turning family traditions into celebration cakes, cupcakes, custom cakes, and dangerously snackable cake jars. Planning a birthday, shower, or office flex? Their dessert tables bring serious flair while everything still tastes like home.”

From the Gahanna newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Chain scooping creative flavors of ice cream & frozen yogurt made from local ingredients.”

“Bake Me Happy reboots nostalgic sweets without the gluten, nailing the Zebra Snack Cake, King Dong, and its Oatmeal Creme Cloud, plus scones and mini bundts. Two locations around town and same-day preorder for the South Side make last-minute cravings way too easy.”

From the Dublin newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Longtime ice cream parlor chain serving small-batch scoops, plus signature sundaes & frozen drinks.”

“Family-owned Dulce Vida Ice Cream - Paleteria & Heladeria turns hot afternoons into small celebrations with artisan Mexican ice cream and paletas in 40+ flavors, plus craveable snacks. When a plain vanilla mood hits, try something bolder... fruity, creamy, or unexpected, and discover a go-to treat spot.”

From the Gahanna newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Traditional store selling chocolates, confections & fudge, as well as original recipe ice cream.”

“Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream brings serious flavor adventure with a Flavors of India lineup and more than 50 scoops, from Kesar Pista and Malai Kulfee to tropical Jamun, Chikoo, and Sitafal, plus thick milkshakes and celebration-ready cakes. Treat yourself this week, no passport needed.”

From the Dublin newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Frozen custard chain with vanilla, chocolate & a rotating weekly flavor, plus a range of toppings.”

“Columbus friends, Dumont Creamery & Cafe is serving scoops, sips, and brews that handle dessert cravings and afternoon slumps in one stop. Swing by this week for something creamy now, something sippable later, and a better mood immediately.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Bakery chain specializing in whole-grain breads & muffins made with Montana wheat.”

“Longtime ice cream parlor chain serving small-batch scoops, plus signature sundaes & frozen drinks.”

“Dulce Vida Ice Cream Factory brings laid-back vibes with a big lineup of artisan flavors, plus desserts and snacks when you need something extra. Multiple Columbus locations keep it easy from Westerville, and online ordering means your sweet tooth wins even when the couch wins.”

From the Westerville newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Whether you're craving a classic twist in a waffle cone or one of their meticulously crafted sundaes, Little Ladies Soft Serve piles on the magic, sprinkles and all, even at the bottom of the cup, and their adorable truck brings instant childhood joy to any Westerville gathering.”

From the Westerville newsletter, September 14, 2026

“If you’re cake-obsessed or just croissant-curious, Gourmand Croquant Bakery turns out custom strawberry and birthday cakes that look as good as they taste, plus fresh breads, flaky croissants, and cookies.”

“Ice cream chain offering design-your-own creations hand-mixed on a granite slab, plus shakes & more.”

“Whether you grew up on their birthday cakes or just need a fresh donut to brighten the morning, Schneider's Bakery keeps it classic with hand crafted cookies, pies, scratch-made breads with no preservatives, and custom cakes. Over 64 years in, it still tastes like hometown.”

From the Westerville newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Friendly bake shop with breads, macarons, cakes, tarts and donuts.”

“Chain scooping creative flavors of ice cream & frozen yogurt made from local ingredients.”

“Chain scooping creative flavors of ice cream & frozen yogurt made from local ingredients.”

“When your day needs a happy detour, Pistacia Vera delivers handcrafted pastries, delicate macarons, and other beautiful sweets, plus light fare that feels just right for a midweek pause. It’s a German Village staple locals swear by... elegant, cozy, and dangerously habit-forming.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Quaint bakery offering handcrafted cookies, cakes & other sweets with vegan & organic ingredients.”

“Cake shop and bakery known for tiered wedding cakes and custom creations such as birthday and graduation cakes.”

“Homey, dog-rescue-supporting shop that doles out buckeye treats in a variety of flavors.”

“Whether you’re planning a birthday, shower, or office win, Sadie Baby Sweets builds custom mini desserts and themed dessert tables that match your colors and vibe, from character cake pops to caramel-wrapped pretzels and cookies.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 14, 2026

“When the midweek sweet tooth shows up, The Pastry Factory comes through with cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and signature flavor cakes that taste like a celebration. They handle weddings, special events, and catering, and were nominated Best Desserts in Columbus by 614 Magazine in 2025 and 2026.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 11, 2026

“Cozy bakery serving croissants, sourdough and other pastries and bread for carryout. Friendly service.”

“Old-school and still going strong since 1968, Auddino's Italian Bakery turns out the kind of bread you build whole meals around. Grab a couple fresh loaves this week and taste why both wholesale buyers and everyday regulars keep coming back.”

From the Mansfield newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Bakery for French-Asian-inspired pastries (gluten-free options are available) and cakes, as well as a selection of teas and coffee drinks.”

“Mom-&-pop diner serving up classic comfort food & signature donuts in snug, no-frills environs.”

“If your morning needs a little mischief, Bite This brings bagel bombs packed with good stuff, fudgy brownies, and other creative treats in an artsy, gothic vibe. Perfect for a quick breakfast, post-work pick-me-up, or treating that friend who swears they’re not a dessert person.”

From the Mansfield newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Craving something louder than your group chat, For the Love of Dough does soft-baked, flavor-packed cookies baked fresh daily with hits like Peanut Butter, Buckeye, and Red Velvet. Pair one with their in-store-only cookie milkshakes or ice cream sandwiches and suddenly your Thursday feels like a holiday.”

From the Columbus newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Donut shop specializing in made-to-order treats such as the popular maple bacon donut.”

“Our CupCakery turns wedding dessert stress into a win with custom cakes and wedding cupcakes, plus signature combos like Backwards Buckeye and Dublin Irish Cream, so add them to your planning list this week.”

From the Delaware newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Friendly baker serving 14 signature flavors of cupcakes plus cakes and homemade ice cream.”

“When birthdays, showers, or “we just need cake” hits, Fate Cakes whips up hand-decorated custom designs, plus Quick Cakes, cupcakes, and cookies that actually taste as good as they look, all crafted by owner-baker Marie Johns. Perfect for your next backyard bash or office morale boost.”

From the Newark newsletter, August 22, 2026

“Storefront of a longtime candy company featuring chocolates, an espresso bar & pour-over coffee.”

“Clown Cones & Confections scoops nearly 40 flavors, pours proper shakes made with real ice cream, and surrounds it all with a delightfully bonkers collection of clown figurines. There’s a candy wall, homemade waffle cones, specialty sundaes, and even custom ice cream cakes with two days’ notice.”

From the Columbus newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Contemporary counter-serve featuring classic & specialty baked goods such as scones & mini cupcakes.”